Lewy Body Dementia Treatment in India

Sneha Verma, a 68-year-old retired school...

Sneha Verma, a 68-year-old retired school principal from Kolkata, had always been sharp and organized. Over the past two years, her family noticed troubling changes. She would have vivid, detailed conversations about long-dead relatives as if they were in the room, and her alertness fluctuated wildly throughout the day. More concerning were the moments of profound confusion in her own home and a slight, persistent tremor in her hands. Her sleep was disrupted by violent dreams where she would physically act out. Her daughter, a physician, suspected more than typical aging. The neurologist, after extensive evaluation including brain scans to rule out other causes, diagnosed Probable Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). He explained it was a specific type of dementia with unique features like visual hallucinations, parkinsonism, and cognitive fluctuations. The treatment experience focused on management, not cure. The doctor carefully prescribed a low dose of a Parkinson's medication for the tremor and stiffness, while strictly avoiding typical antipsychotics due to LBD's severe sensitivity. A cholinesterase inhibitor was started to help with attention and alertness. Post-diagnosis, a care plan was established involving occupational therapy for home safety and a structured daily routine. The outcome was stabilization, not reversal. Her hallucinations became less frightening as the family learned to gently redirect her, and her daytime alertness improved slightly. Emotionally, the diagnosis was devastating but also provided a strange relief. The frightening, inexplicable symptoms now had a name. The journey shifted from terror of the unknown to a focused, though grieving, determination to manage her quality of life. The family felt empowered with a roadmap, even if it was a difficult path.